The Lille goalkeeper beat Obafemi Martins, Ahmed Musa and Ejike Uzoenyi by a wide margin in an poll of Complete Sports readers to win the first of the annual awards.

The usually prayerful player gave the credit for his excellent showings in 2014 to God and his family.

“Thank God I won this great award by being voted for by my brothers and sisters,” Enyeama told Complete Sports from his base in France.

“It’s a big honour to be recognized by my fellow Nigerians as their best player for the year and all glory to God. It’s God and God all the way. Special thanks also to my wife, my family, you guys (Complete Sports) that nominated me, and the fans that voted for me.”

Enyeama, who came close to winning both the 2014 BBC African Player of the Year and the CAF Player of the Year awards, promises that the award will motivate him to excel even more.
He said: “It’s a yardstick to work even harder knowing a lot of people are supporting and want me to be the best.”

Musa, who finished third in the Complete Sports Player of the Year vote and made the top five in the CAF award shortlist, is also grateful for his nomination.

“I am very happy with this development,” the CSKA Moscow star told Complete Sports from his base. “It means my career is being closely followed by my people at home.
“I’m delighted that my hard work has been recognized and appreciated.”